Hello from Boston... should I buy this one?

[katwasabi]

I'm looking to rehab an airstream from the "ground up" to accommodate myself and my kids. I've been looking around and am looking for one that isn't too far away, that is at least an overlander (27) but would prefer an Ambassador or even a Sovereign. Budget is an issues (did I mention the 4 kids?).

So I found this one that is about an hour away and I am wondering what you think. The asking price is $2500, he has owned it since 2007 and it comes with a title. According to the owner he believes the frame is fine but he has never pulled the skins. He believes the axles and brakes are ok but probably original so I am sure I'll need to replace. He towed it about 6 months ago with no (minimal) issues.

Let me know what you think. I'm up for a project.

Thanks!

- Kat

[katwasabi]

4 more pics.

[katwasabi]

Sorry about the turned pics. They rotated when I uploaded.

[reinergirl]

IMHO you can do better. The dent in the end cap is serious, it also looks like its dented in the front lower panel which is possibly frame rot.

Keep looking, the good news is you want a longer trailer which typically is less desirable and therefore less expensive.

If your looking for a project you want the most perfect skin you can find, especially on the endcaps!

[katwasabi]

These are the other two listings I had looked at:

1975 31ft Airstream
Airstream Trailer

Further away and more $ but if it saves me money and headache later...

[TouringDan]

Looks like a good project rehab candidate to me and probably worth $2,500. I like the size- a good comprimise. Good luck.

Dan

[katwasabi]

Here is a 31' about 90 minutes away for $2900:

I have an original 1975 Airstream that I intended to restore at a future date and I now know I will have no time to do so. The exterior is water tight and interior has begun some renovations. I have dropped the price dramatically as I would like to sell before the first major snow storm. This is a serious price point and I will not negotiate any lower. Please serious inquiries only.

[Globie64]

I'd keep looking- You want to find the one that needs the stuff you can do, rather than the stuff that will be a huge burden. Figure the systems will need rehabbing- appliances are expensive, but you can camp with an icebox and a camp stove outside. Make sure the floor is in good shape and know where it isn't, so you can plan a future repair. Have someone make sure the electrical system wasn't butchered by someone, the electrical system (I find) is very confusing. It's not cheap, and may be easier to find a newer model from the 80s needing fewer costly repairs now, that you can work on. Take your time- I bought the first one I found, I love it, but it took years to make it work for us. Once you find one you can live with, you and your family will love it.

[reinergirl]

Pictures never show the full story but the one in Bow looks to be in way better shape.... It also depends on what you intend to do? Restore, renovate or gut and custom build?

[webspinner]

Originally Posted by katwasabi

Here is a 31' about 90 minutes away for $2900:

If the skin is good and the most of the appliances work, this one would be a decent deal. The other one had no appliances and the refrigerator vent had been cut, making for much more restoration work.

There will still be plenty of restoration to do, but it's best if your budget isn't eaten up by appliances. You'll probably need to replace the axles. The old ovens tend to be sturdier than the new ones, so if it works, that's a win. There's a good chance you'll need to replace the furnace - some from the early 70s were too leaky to be safe. Check the fridge and air conditioner and water heater. Look for rear end separation. If the back bumper goes down but the body of the trailer doesn't, you'll have work to do there.

The longer trailer gives you more room for the 4 kids. Good luck!

[katwasabi]

Originally Posted by reinergirl

Pictures never show the full story but the one in Bow looks to be in way better shape.... It also depends on what you intend to do? Restore, renovate or gut and custom build?

Slowly but surely I would like to custom build. Get it working and usable immediately and upgrade / improve / customize as time goes on.

[TouringDan]

I agree with Webspinners comments. The 31 ft for 2,900 looks good.

Dan

[katwasabi]

I have sent an email. I am terrible at negotiating but he did have it listed in the $5500 range in October so its likely he is going to be firm at $2900.

Will keep you posted and thank you!

[reinergirl]

At $2900 assuming clear title and working appliances it's a steal.